Question

"Atoms of magnesium and oxygen form ions and ionic bonds "The difference is that instead of having each atom gain or lose one electron, each atom of one of these elements loses two electrons, and each atom of the other element gains two electrons. Describe the process that leads to the formation of the ionic bond between magnesium and oxygen atoms in magnesium oxide.

Answer 1

Explanation:

Atomic number of magnesium is 12 and its electronic distribution is 2, 8, 2. To attain noble gas configuration it is necessary for the magnesium atom to lose two valence electrons and therefore, it forms $Mg^{2+}$ ions.

On the other hand, atomic number of oxygen atom is 8 and its electronic distribution is 2, 6. To attain noble gas configuration it needs to gain two electrons. And, on gaining the electrons it forms $O^{2-}$ ions.

Hence, when both magnesium and oxygen ions chemically combine with each other then it forms the compound magnesium oxide ($MgO$).

This is because magnesium transfer its two valence electrons to the oxygen atom and due to the formation of opposite charges on these atoms they get attracted towards each other.